BR112019009652A2 - method and system for quick power exchange - Google Patents

Abstract

A vehicle power exchange system includes at least one disposable power terminal on a ground surface on which a vehicle travels. The power exchange terminal has at least one lowering mechanism or a lifting mechanism. The lowering mechanism is associated with the power exchange terminal to release a depleted energy cell from a vehicle during its power exchange. The lifting mechanism is also associated with a power exchange terminal for inserting a charged power cell into the vehicle during power exchange.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR A QUICK EXCHANGE OF ENERGY CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED ORDER [0001] This claim claims the benefit of United States Provisional Order No. 62 / 421,764, filed on November 14, 2016, incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to a method and system for the exchange of a source of energy that includes, but is not limited to the replacement, that is, exchange, of a source of energy such as a battery by another. Advantageously, this includes changing the power source of an electric vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Alternative fuel vehicles are becoming increasingly popular. Such vehicles use alternative fuel sources instead of conventional oil, such as gasoline and diesel. Some alternative fuel sources include, but are not limited to: natural gas, battery / chemical - electric source, fuel cell, etc. As with conventional vehicles, the fuel source consumed by the vehicle must be replenished. This has resulted in the development of various means of refueling, recharging, regeneration or other means to replenish the fuel source for the alternative fuel vehicle.

[0004] Alternative fuel vehicles that are powered by batteries in many cases are recharged by connecting the vehicle to a refill receptacle

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2/32 suitable for recharging the batteries on board the vehicle. An alternative to this method is to replace the batteries in the vehicle after they have been exhausted by fully charged batteries. However, current technology for performing alternative battery replacements for motor vehicles in the field requires significant infrastructure in terms of an installation to accommodate the vehicle during a battery change and the mechanism required to replace a series of discharged batteries with batteries that are charged. Consequently, such systems are not economically viable and / or developed at a stage that allows the replacement of the battery in real time as a means of refueling a vehicle powered by an alternative source whenever its battery is discharged.

[0005] A more recent advance in accommodating vehicles fueled with alternative fuels is provided in Applicant's copending International Patent Application PCT / US 16/29011 ('011) filed on April 22, 2016, incorporated herein by reference, addressed to a technology known as Autonomous Linear Exchange (ALE) that uses a unique method and system to remove, receive, charge, employ and replace a vehicle's main energy source, including a power source arranged in a container (where the container includes a power source such as a battery pack, fuel cell, or other collectively stored energy device referred to as a power source), from a vehicle equipped for auxiliary power exchange. In the '011 method and system, a suitably equipped vehicle

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3/32 has a disposable lifting mechanism installed on board the vehicle to remove a container with an exhausted energy source and insert a container with a charged energy source.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] The present technology is aimed at an advance or alternative to the '011 method and system. In the present method and system for energy exchange, a mechanism for removing a container with a depleted energy source and inserting a container with a charged energy source is provided on the ground with a suitable energy exchange location, mounted on a terminal of energy exchange, instead of being mounted on board the vehicle itself as in the '011 method and system. The present mechanism operates similar to that in the '011 system. Consequently, this disclosure highlights the differences in the present method and system. Items that operate in a similar manner are therefore not discussed in detail in this disclosure, since this disclosure was incorporated by reference in this disclosure.

[0007] The lifting mechanism and the energy exchange terminal can be installed at ground level just like a concrete surface, having a profile low enough to allow a vehicle to travel over the elevator, container and terminal. Consequently, the present method and system do not require the lifting mechanism and the power exchange terminal to be installed under the ground, embedded in the ground, or to require ground breaking to accommodate the installation and operation of the elevator and terminal.

[0008] More specifically, technology

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4/32 of this disclosure can be used to change the main power source, for example, batteries for driving a powered electric vehicle that are arranged in a container or other replaceable unit. However, this technology can be adapted to use the exchange of any energy source including various types of energy sources that are used by vehicles that include electric vehicles. The present invention relates to both stationary equipment designed to receive, charge, organize, and dispose of energy sources, batteries or fuel cells with extreme efficiency and simplicity, as well as components and modular containers intended for incorporation in automotive projects, that allow the vehicle to interact with stationary equipment.

[0009] In an advantageous form, a suitable vehicle has a group of batteries, battery module, power source, cell (s), including fuel cells, etc., (collectively referred to as a power source that may include one or more more cells or discrete units of energy) independent of what is referred to in this report as a container. This container also includes, in an advantageous embodiment, a cooler and the container can also include other elements that allow the container to be independent, a removable energy source, which provides energy from the main drive system to the vehicle. It is this container that is exchanged when depleted of energy by a container charged with energy, using the present system.

[0010] In addition to the container that is the source of

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5/32 main energy for the vehicle, the vehicle will advantageously have an auxiliary energy source, separate from the container with main energy source, which helps during the exchange of containers. The auxiliary power source triggers the vehicle to move from a first terminal to a second terminal, after the depleted main power source has been removed from the vehicle. The auxiliary power source is usually recharged using regenerative braking and the main power source. However, both the main power source (in the container) and the auxiliary power source (permanently mounted on the vehicle) can also be recharged (as an option, if desired by the manufacturer) by connecting the vehicle to an appropriate outlet / charging source. .

[0011] The present invention, in one form, refers to a system for exchanging vehicle energy. This system has at least one power exchange terminal. The power exchange terminal is not required on a ground surface. The energy exchange terminal has a sufficiently low profile, so that when disposed on a vehicle's displacement surface, an energy exchange vehicle can travel over the energy exchange terminal during energy exchange. The power exchange terminal has at least one lowering mechanism or one lifting mechanism. The lowering mechanism is associated with at least one exchange terminal to release an exhausted energy cell from a vehicle during its energy exchange. The lifting mechanism is associated with at least one terminal

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6/32 energy exchange to insert a charged energy cell in the vehicle during the energy exchange.

[0012] In an additional advantageous form of the system, the at least one energy exchange terminal comprises at least two energy exchange terminals, a first of at least two terminals comprises the lowering mechanism and the second of at least two terminals understands the lifting mechanism.

[0013] In an additional advantageous way, the system comprises two or more energy exchange strips the energy exchange strips form an energy exchange installation for the vehicle energy exchange. For example, energy exchange bands can be arranged in an arrangement of energy exchange terminals.

[0014] The present invention, in another form, relates to a method for exchanging vehicle energy. The method includes receiving a vehicle energy exchange in a first position along an energy exchange strip and removing a depleted energy cell from the vehicle by releasing the vehicle's energy cell in the first position. Then, the vehicle is received in a second position along the energy exchange strip. Finally, a replacement energy cell is inserted into the vehicle in the second position.

[0015] The present invention, in another form, relates to a system for exchanging vehicle energy. The system has at least one energy exchange terminal and at least one container having an energy source and being associated with the energy exchange terminal. A wireless communication device is associated

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7/32 operationally with the energy exchange terminal for communication between the energy exchange terminal and a vehicle requesting energy exchange. A processor is associated with the power exchange terminal and the wireless communication device to control and coordinate vehicle functions requesting the power exchange. This processor can be mounted on the vehicle or at the power exchange terminal.

[0016] In an additional form, the power exchange terminal of the present invention will also contain a motorized lifting mechanism. In such an advantageous way, the lifting mechanism can be activated, when requested by the processor through the communication connection, to raise and lower the main energy source container. Thus, and if the vehicle is positioned directly over the power exchange terminal, the lifting mechanism can remove a container with a depleted main energy source from the vehicle. Likewise, the lifting mechanism, which is mounted on the energy exchange terminal, can also insert a container provided with a charged main energy source in the vehicle.

[0017] The energy exchange terminal of the present invention will additionally contain a port corresponding to a port in the container to which the energy exchange terminal is associated. Such port may be in the form of an electrical connector containing conductive contact points, a device for transferring compressed fuel, or another coupling that allows the transfer of energy or fuel from the terminal.

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8/32 energy exchange for the container, and from the container to the energy exchange terminal. Thus, a two-way connection is obtained and the bidirectional flow of energy or fuel is not inhibited.

[0018] In an additional form, at least two energy exchange terminals can be placed adjacent longitudinally to form an energy exchange band. The energy exchange strip then has a terminal for receiving a depleted container with energy source from a vehicle requesting energy exchange, and at least one additional terminal that has a replacement container with charged energy source for installation of the container in the vehicle after the emptied container has been removed.

[0019] In an additional advantageous way, a processor and wireless connection control the movement of the vehicle between the first station and the second station.

[0020] In alternative forms, depending on the vehicle, the energy source used is a chemical battery module or fuel cell module, compressed gas or other rechargeable energy source.

[0021] The present invention, in another form, relates to an on-board vehicle system for energy exchange. The on-board vehicle system has a removable container with a main power source to mainly energize the vehicle's movement. A computer processor is associated with the vehicle to control the vehicle's required functions during power exchange, including releasing an exhausted container, moving the vehicle after the depleted power pack has been

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9/32 removed and insertion of a replacement container with a charged or filled energy source in the vehicle. A locking mechanism is associated with the computer processor for attaching a container to the vehicle and releasing a container from the vehicle. Feedback sending units and vehicle control hardware are also associated with the computer processor to control vehicle movements through the energy exchange sequence, and to harmonize the activation of the elevator at the energy exchange terminal to perform the removal or replacing an energy source container.

[0022] The present invention, in another form, relates to a method for exchanging vehicle energy. The method includes receiving a vehicle for energy exchange in a first position at the entrance to an energy exchange strip and establishing a wireless communication connection between the vehicle and the energy exchange strip to control the vehicle's function and function the power exchange terminal during the power exchange. The method further includes communicating instructions to a vehicle's computer processor via the wireless communication connection to release a container with depleted power source from the vehicle in the first position along the energy exchange range. The vehicle is then moved to a second position along the energy exchange strip. Finally, a replacement container with a charged energy source is inserted into the vehicle, where the replacement container is associated in the second position of the energy exchange strip. The method in an additional form includes moving the vehicle to a second position

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10/32 along the energy exchange strip, use auxiliary energy on board the vehicle, supplementary to the energy from the main energy source removed.

[0023] In another way, the processor activates a lifting mechanism through the communication connection and releases the locks that hold the container to the vehicle in the first position along the energy exchange strip, resulting in the vehicle releasing the container that has the

source of main energy depleted. [0024] 0 present method in a form additional includes inserting a container with source energy main loaded, associated with the second position from the track exchange energy, into the vehicle activating the mechanism lifting associated with Monday position. In a way advantageous additional, the lifting mechanism is incorporated at the terminal exchange of energy. [0025] In use, a vehicle compatible if

approaches an entrance to a power exchange range, within a predetermined range, the vehicle will automatically establish wireless communication with the terminals, make a stop, and normal drive control will be suspended. At this point, wireless communication from a remote server will provide instructions to the processor on board the vehicle regarding which terminals along the power exchange range should stop and interact with them. When instructions are received, the vehicle's autonomous control system engages and drives the vehicle to a precise position on the instructed empty terminal without requiring human interaction. O

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11/32 vehicle then switches to its onboard auxiliary power source, and activates the lifting mechanism of the power exchange terminal via wireless communication, to lift and make contact with the container with depleted main power source. The processor then releases the latches that hold the container to the vehicle, and again activates the lifting mechanism at the terminal to lower the container with the depleted main power source to a low resting position, below the vehicle, allowing the vehicle to pass freely over the terminal and the container. The vehicle then travels by means of auxiliary energy, guided by wireless and optical warnings about the load range, to the terminal that contains the replacement container designated by the instructions provided. The processor, via the communication link, activates the lifting mechanism at the designated terminal with a charged energy source to lift the container to the vehicle's running position. The latches then secure the container to the vehicle, and the processor activates the lifting of the power exchange terminal once again to retract it from the vehicle and the safe container to a low resting position. The vehicle then switches from auxiliary energy to the charged main energy source and proceeds by autonomous control to the output of the energy exchange strip. When the vehicle passes over the end of the lane, it stops automatically, suspends autonomous control, and restores normal control. The vehicle is then able to proceed from the lane as per normal control with a container provided with a charged main energy source, at the same time as

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12/32 leaves the container with a depleted main power source on the loading strip.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0026] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] Figure 1 is a side elevation view of an Autonomous Linear Exchange (ALE) energy exchange strip with two containers arranged on the strip according to the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 is a top plan view of the Autonomous Linear Exchange energy exchange strip and two containers shown in Figure 1.

[0029] Figure 3 is a side elevation view of the Autonomous Linear Exchange system of Figure 1 shown with a vehicle in position to perform an ALE energy exchange in accordance with the present invention.

[0030] Figure 4 is a top plan view of the Autonomous Linear Exchange system and vehicle shown in Figure 3.

[0031] Figure 5 is a side elevation view of a vehicle equipped with Autonomous Linear Exchange according to the present invention.

[0032] Figure 6 is a top plan view of the vehicle equipped with Autonomous Linear Change taken along line 6-6 of Figure 5.

[0033] Figure 7 is a side elevation view of an Autonomous Linear Exchange container according to the present invention.

[0034] Figure 8 is a top plan view

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13/32 of the Autonomous Linear Exchange container taken along line 8-8 of Figure 7.

[0035] Figure 9 is a side elevation view of an Autonomous Linear Change container with oil cooler revealed in accordance with the present invention.

[0036] Figure 10 is a side elevation view of an Autonomous Linear Change oil cooler. Figure 10a is an enlargement of a single oil cooler and an isolated cone enlarged from figure 10.

[0037] Figure 11 is a top plan view of the Autonomous Linear Change oil cooler and isolated core shown in figure 10. Figure 11a is an enlargement of a single oil cooler and isolated cone shown in figure 11.

[0038] Figures 12 comprise AF panels that show the energy exchange steps of a vehicle equipped with Autonomous Linear Exchange as a series of side elevation views on AF panels, during the exchange process in stopped positions on an ALE terminal, which demonstrates the two-stage energy container handling method of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 13 is a side elevation view of an Autonomous Linear Exchange locking mechanism that secures the end of an ALE energy container.

[0040] Figure 14 is a side elevation view of the front end of a vehicle equipped with Autonomous Linear Exchange in accordance with the present invention, revealing a locking mechanism that holds the

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14/32 container to the vehicle.

[0041] Figure 15 is a front elevation view of an Autonomous Linear Exchange locking mechanism, according to the present invention.

[0042] Figure 16 is a top plan view of an Autonomous Linear Exchange locking mechanism, according to the present invention.

[0043] Figure 17 is a perspective view of an Autonomous Linear Exchange system serving multiple vehicles equipped with ALE along the side of a highway according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF ALE STATIONARY EQUIPMENT [0044] With reference now to Figures and in particular to Figures 1-4, in an exemplary form, an autonomous linear exchange (ALE) of the present technology, such as system 10, can be used for the exchanging a container 17 that has a depleted energy source (ie container 17a of vehicle 30 in which the energy source is depleted, Figures 3 and 4), with a container provided with a charged energy source (for example, containers 17b and 17c, figures 3 and 4) of a properly configured vehicle such as an electric vehicle 30. Compatible vehicles, such as vehicle 30, have distinct attributes (for example, see discussion below) that allows the ALE and thus the use of stationary equipment hereinafter referred to as the

12. Lane 12 consists of at least two low profile power exchange terminals 12a, 12b, 12c placed in series with at least one terminal 12a empty to receive a container with an exhausted power source. Track 12 is modular, allowing its extension and, thus, its

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15/32 capacity of containers 17 (both with charged energy source and exhausted energy source), in order to be increased or decreased by adding or subtracting additional terminals 12a, 12b, 12c to or from range 12.

[0045] A lifting mechanism is incorporated in the design of the energy exchange terminal 12a, 12b, 12c having a boom 120 with a pivot point 121 at the proximal end (where it is mounted on the terminal base 124) and tip 122, compatible with a contact point 131 on the underside of the container 17 associated with the terminal 12a, 12b, 12c at the distal end. This boom 120 is raised and lowered by a driver or plunger 123 positioned between boom 120 and the base of the terminal base 124. The plunger or driver 123 is activated by commands received from the processor on board the vehicle and in coordination with the sequence of energy exchange. The boom 120 of the lifting mechanism is very low profile, and is partially folded into a groove 132 (Fig. 7) on the bottom side of the container 17 in the low resting position so that both the container 17 and the boom 120 below it can be driven completely through the vehicle 30 that performs the energy exchange. The boom 120 of the terminal's lifting mechanism is also marked with optical indications and other stationary guidance signals that assist in the autonomous operation of the vehicle that makes the energy exchange. The boom 120 and the boom tip 122 at the distal end are very simple and still maintain perfect control of the container 17 due to a two-stage lifting process (explained below).

[0046] In an additional way, contacts

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Electrical 16/32 133 near the tip of the boom 122 of the lifting mechanism are used to establish a two-way power connection between the power source of the container 17 and the charger or supply at the side terminal 12a, 12b, 12c to recharge the energy source in the container

17. The single point of contact required allows the widest possible range of sizes and shapes of container 17, and thus will place very little limitation on automotive design. A charger and / or a hydraulic pump can be fitted inside the terminal base 124 otherwise the terminal 12a, 12b, 12c can be operated remotely via electrical extension cables and hydraulic hoses, or even kinetic control systems. Due to these deficiencies, and the simplicity of terminals 12a, 12b, 12c and thus the design of lane 12, the system does not require excavation of the ground and can be assembled or removed from one location in hours. This is a key engineering point as it allows for maximum infrastructure scalability due to reduced cost and liability.

[0047] One meaning of the present configuration is that a container 17 having a power source can be positioned by the vehicle 30 by auxiliary energy, placed over the appropriate terminal 12a, 12b, 12c and then be carried completely over it, straddled by tires on the left and right side of the vehicle 30.

[0048] In an alternative way, it specifies,

ramps or lowered floor 7 will be needed for provide an adequate clearance between c > exchange terminal energy it's the vehicle during exchange 0 049] Since the power. ALE system 10 is

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17/32 linear, with spaced terminals to create a line of containers 17 (containers 17b and 17c in figures 1-4) end to end, vehicles 30 are capable of moving over track 12 and the row of containers 17 (for example , containers 17b, 17c) which eliminates the need for expensive stationary robotic automation for changing and organizing containers 17. This will be most evident in the following discussion with reference to figure 3.

[0050] The important understanding is that the vehicle equipped with ALE 30 replaces expensive and complicated stationary equipment that some previously known technologies can employ. The vehicle 30 is then able to deposit a container 17 (e.g. container 17a) with depleted energy source in an empty terminal 12a, 12b, 12c of lane 12 to charge or supply the depleted energy source. Vehicle 30 can then move forward or backward using an auxiliary power source (for example 16aA, 16b) while scanning the line of containers 17, arranged over lane 12. Finally, vehicle 30 is positioned over a terminal and container designated by the instructions, and retrieves a container 17 (e.g. container 17b) with a charged energy source. Lane 12 also contains a short-range wireless communication system, guidance markings, and processor that it uses to collect information from containers 17, guide vehicle 30 according to autonomous control and perform container change 17.

DESCRIPTION OF ALE MOBILE EQUIPMENT (IN VEHICLE)

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18/32 [0051] To be compatible with ALE, as discussed above, a vehicle, such as vehicle 30, must be able to move and perform robotic functions using an auxiliary power source on board (eg 16a, 16b ) which is electrically connected to the drive system when container 17 with the main power source is disconnected from the drive system and removed from the vehicle 30.

[0052] The auxiliary power source (for example, 16a and 16b of Figure 6) need not be large or bulky because the energy needed to move the vehicle 30 along the lane since the main power source (ie vehicle container 17) is disconnected is minimal. The standard method of charging the auxiliary energy source, which does not leave the vehicle, is through the energy created through regenerative braking, however other methods can also be employed. The use of this method wastes no energy from the main energy source and instead charges the auxiliary energy source each time the vehicle's brakes are applied during normal use.

[0053] Advantageously, vehicle 30 is equipped with compatible autonomous control equipment and a computer that operates is capable of receiving and processing information from lane 12 through wireless and optical signals. From these instructions, the ALE logic stored in the computer will respond by activating the installed autonomous control equipment and the vehicle engine controller 30 to move the vehicle 30 forward or backward along track 12, stopping over the terminals

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19/32 appropriate 12a, 12b Module 12c by means of instructions, and direction to keep the vehicle tracking perfectly over the linear range 12. In addition to these communicative and autonomous characteristics, vehicle 30 must be equipped with a locking system 134 (11a, 11b of Figures 1316) which is capable of securing and releasing the container 17 of the vehicle 30 in the appropriate positions along the track 12 and in coordination with the instructions provided. If vehicle 30 was not designed to be compatible with ALE, a subframe can be prepared in many cases, since adequate ground clearance can be obtained, and adapted to vehicle 30 in order to adapt to be compatible with the ALE.

[0054] Reference now to Figures 5 and 6, although it is not intended to be perceived in any way as a limitation to this technology, it was determined that a flat, rectangular container 17 located inside the wheel base of the vehicle 30 at the lowest possible point it is best practice for ALE projects. Such a configuration allows for a minimally invasive container 17 that is better positioned to perform an ALE exchange.

DESCRIPTION OF ALE MODULAR ENERGY SOURCE CONTAINER [0055] Referring now to Figures 7 and 8, the ALE 17 container consists of several essential subcomponents that distinguish it from non-ALE containers, and is designed to be as low profile, light , and as close to a basic flat rectangle as possible. Most applications will require some or all corners of the flat rectangular shape to be chamfered 14 to allow adequate clearance to accommodate the steering wheels (now

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20/32 shown).

[0056] The architecture of the container is designed around a structural spine, consisting of a channel that provides longitudinal rigidity, as well as providing structural bites 18a, 18b at each end for receiving the main front and rear locks 134a, 134b of the vehicle 30 (see figures 5 and 6). The spine 15 also provides a passage and protection for the electrical bars 20 that run along the length of the container 17 and connect the power source modules to the front 21a, central electrical contact points 131 and the rear 21b. This allows cars to move forward, or behind the container for drive energy, as well as additional charging options. The central electrical contact has a protective cover that can be pressed on 131a, which when pressed from below by the tip of the boom 122 of the terminal 120, reveals the electrical contact points that then correspond to the contacts near the distal end of the boom. These contacts are connected while the container 17 is at the terminal 12a, 12b, 12c in the low resting position. The electrical system also contains the data collection and storage module 22 which collects data from the sensors throughout the container and then sends the data to The ALE Control Center, as will be discussed later in this disclosure.

[0057] Referring now to Figures 7-1, the spine 15, of this particular example, also houses an oil cooler 9 for the container 17. The oil cooler area is usually centralized and located within the spine 15 of the container 17 , but it can stay

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21/32 located anywhere inside the container 17. The cooler 9, like the container 17 itself, is modular consisting of a number of cores 9a-9d. Each core 9a9d consists of a small radiator resistant to mineral oil 23 and micro pump 24, mounted on an electric fan of compatible size 25. Figures 10a and 11a show a separate core 9a to emphasize more clearly that cooler 9 is in fact composed of cores 9a-9 d, and thus cores 9a-9d can be added or subtracted to increase or decrease the cooling compatible with the application of the container 17.

[0058] The size of chiller 9 is combined with the average use of container style 17. For example, a type-A 17 container may have a standard six-core cooler 9, and a type-A-HP (high performance) ) can have a 12-core 9 cooler to support a higher rate of energy consumption. The radiators of the cooler 9's 23 are fed into inlet and outlet holes 23a, 23b usually located on the spine 15 the channel wings 15e that lead to the wings 26 on the left and right side of the container 17, and mineral oil or non-conductive refrigerant similar is able to flow either using an open circulation system, or a closed circulation system through the small in-line pump 24, through the radiator 23, and into the wings 26 containing the energy source.

[0059] The structure of the container 17 also includes a perimeter channel 27, with inward facing wings 27e that acts as a secondary structure to the main spine 15, and also provides protection for the

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22/32 contents of the container 17 from a side impact. The container 17 is covered with a water and light oil resistant material, lid 28, with an oil-tight seal. It is also an advantageous adaptation to the skin of the top of the package with photovoltaic panels for maintaining the energy source charge, while it is located on the track 12. The cover 28 also classifies the color and shape markings along the top surface and centered along the center line of the container 17 similar to that of lane 12, so that vehicles 30 passing over container 17, while located in lane 12, are able to maintain alignment through visual signals. The bottom surface or pan 29 is made of a more durable material, such as stainless steel or carbon fiber, in order to resist puncture or damage from road scratches. It must also be sealed and riveted or otherwise secured to the spine 15 and the perimeter channel wings 27e in order to create an oil and water tight seal.

[0060] The power supply modules 31 are connected perpendicularly to the spine 15 and the perimeter channel 27 and then hidden, bathed in refrigerant, and protected by lid 28 and pan 29. These modules 31 can be added to or subtracted from the spine 15, and the spine 15, the perimeter channel 27, the lid 28 and the pan 29 can be of any conceivable length. Cooling cores 9a can be placed interchangeably with power modules 31 to alter the performance of the power source container 17, or an empty space can be left for weight distribution purposes. These are the details of the first bank container

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23/32 of ALE 17 battery and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention protected here.

DESCRIPTION OF TWO-STAGE ENERGY CONTAINER HANDLING [0061] Now with reference to Figure 12 and its A-F panels, the panels are a step-by-step representation to provide assistance in teaching the two-stage container handling sequence 17.

[0062] During the initial development, it was observed that the stabilization of the container 17 during the lowering and lifting process was a challenge. Container 17, being a large, flat and heavy object, should never be able to swing, swing, pitch or twist while between a terminal 12a, 12b, 12c and a vehicle 30. Many other projects are conceptualized in order to come up with a solution for this specific problem. The difficulty in each of these projects was that they require an additional complication that can also be understood as an additional cost, shorter life, and less durability (prohibiting scalability). Since low cost and long life are key factors for high scalability, the following method was developed to preserve simplicity.

[0063] AF panels represent a two-stage lifting and lowering process to allow the implementation of an extremely simple lifting mechanism to achieve reliable removal and replacement of container 17, out and into a vehicle 30, thus eliminating the need for need for expensive and unreliable complexities. A-F panels are a series of views in

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2AI32.

steps along the energy exchange process of the vehicle 30 that demonstrate the two stage container handling process. The present method of raising and lowering the container is necessary for the contact point 131 in the container 17 to be slightly off center of gravity in the opposite direction to the terminal base 124 and to the pivot point 121 of the boom 120, as identified at location 33 to the along the longitudinal axis. The result is a two-stage lifting and lowering process where container 17 is always in contact with the latches

134a and 134b of vehicle 30, or boom 120 of terminal 12a or both. This provides a minimum of three points of contact at all times, two points being the left and right side of the lock 134a, 134b connected to pins 19 (Fig. 9) on the left and right side of the bite 18 at the end of the container 17, and the third being the tip of the boom 122 and the contact point 131 of the container 17.

[0064] With reference now to Panel A, in a first stage, the vehicle 30 has a container 17 locked in the ride position on an empty power exchange terminal 12a.

[0065] Referring now to Panel B, the lifting mechanism of the terminal 12a is activated, and once contact is made between the tip of the boom 122 of the lifting mechanism and the contact point 131 of the container 17, the vehicle container closures 134a, 134b. At this point, the tip of the boom 122 will carry the weight of the container 17.

[0066] Referring now to Panel C, since contact point 131 on container 17 is outside

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25/32 center, in the direction opposite to the pivot of the lance 121, and the container 17 is also able to rotate at the point of contact 131, the container rotates out of the rear latch while remaining in contact with the front latch.

[0067] With reference now to Panel D, since the stop of the effect of effect is achieved by the heavier end of the container 17 comes into contact with the container rest 32, which is located on the boom 120 of the elevator next to its base 124, the container 17 is now rigid with the boom 120, having three points of contact on the left and right sides of the rest 32, and again, on the tip of the boom 122.

[0068] Referring now to Panel E, since the boom 120 and the container 17 are now rigid with each other, as the boom 120 continues in the direction of the earth, the container 17 falls from the front latch 134a, and the container 17 is now removed from the vehicle 30.

[0069] Referring now to Panel F, since the container 17 is in the low resting position (with the boom 120 completely retracted), the heavier proximal end is supported over the container rest 32, and the end distal is either free floating, or a rest can be used to support it in the case of very heavy and large containers 17.

[0070] Vehicle 30 then moves according to the auxiliary energy in position on a loaded or filled container 17 using the instructions provided, and reverses the process described above to recover it, lock it in place, and then leave the lane of energy exchange 12.

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6/32

DESCRIPTION OF THE LATCHES [0071] With reference now to Figures 13-16, as mentioned above, the locks 134 are necessary to secure the container 17 to the vehicle 30 and allow it to proceed safely from the energy exchange range 12, without fear of container 17 becoming detached from vehicle 30 while in use. The latches 134 are mounted firmly on the vehicle 30, preferably at the front (134a) and rear ends (134b) of a pre-designed container cavity 17a, located at the lowest possible point within the vehicle 30, and accessible from the underside of vehicle 30 to allow removal and replacement of container 17. As mentioned earlier, in case a vehicle 30 is not designed for ALE, an adaptive structure equipped with locks 134a, 134b can be mounted on the underside of vehicle 30, an adequate operational ground clearance can be

obtained. [0072] The two locks major 134a, 134b of project currently introduced are identical, and they are

positioned at the front and rear ends of the container cavity 17a within the ALE 30 compatible vehicle. Each contains two couplings 34 opposite each other, which receives the two pins 19 opposite each other within the bites 18 at the front and rear ends of the pins 19 inside the bite 18 of the container 17 are round, and once locked in place, acts as a pivot point for the container 17. This allows the smooth and safe rotations and movements of the container 17, as described above, process lifting and

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27/32 two-stage lowering.

[0073] The body of each latch 134a, 134b is a rectangular box and is divided into three cavities. The side, left and right cavities lld contain pin guides and locks 34, and the central cavity 11c contains the lock actuators 35, a camera 36, a small air pump (not shown), laser receiver 37 and radio receivers (not shown) that collect positioning data and send it to the central processor in vehicle 30 (these data allow the logic inside the processor to react with the signals sent to the control hardware installed in vehicle 30).

[0074] The shape similar to the lock box 134 is tapered 38 towards the base to guide any slight misalignment of the container 17 to the correct position to receive the pins 19 in the seals 34s of the latches 34. When the container 17 is pressed upwards , against the vehicle 30, through the boom 120 of the terminal 12a, 12b, 12c, the two front and rear locks 134a, 134b guide it in the final moments to the appropriate travel position inside the vehicle 30 The lock 134 proceeds towards the interior of the bite 18 of the container 17, the pins 19 in the bite 18 compress the latches 34 against a spring, when the container 17 is firmly seated, the pins 19 pass over the end of the latches 34, and the spring wedges are closed. At this point, the container 17 is firmly attached to the vehicle 30 to release the container 17, the lifting mechanism must press the container 17 against the vehicle 30, and then the processor will activate the lock actuators 35 to open them against the spring, and allow

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28/32 the pins 19 inside the bite 18 of the container 17 pass freely out of the guides 39 and out of the latch 134.

[0075]

In addition to securing container 17 to vehicle 30, and containing orientation feedback hardware (36, 37), the third key purpose of locks 134 is to complete a reliable and secure electrical connection between the main power source within container 17, and the vehicle drive system 30 This is achieved by a downward pointing cap 40 on the front face of each lock 134, and pair upward starting receptacles 41, which point upwards, in the associated container 17, located on the front and rear of the bites 18, since the container 17 is pressed into the vehicle's walking position 30, the plug 40 and the receptacle 41 are connected, and the air compressor inside the latch 134 keeps the receptacle cover 42 slightly pressurized above external atmospheric pressure. This method allows the connection to be completely submerged without the danger of an electrical short caused by intrusive water.

[0076]

The design of the locking system presently presented is intended to maintain as much hardware as necessary to complete an energy exchange contained in the locks 134, so that no other hardware such as cameras or other feedback mechanisms should also be located and mounted elsewhere. on vehicle 30 by the manufacturer.

[0077] DESCRIPTION OF THE LOADING PLACE OR REFUELING [0078]

Referring now to Figure 17, in a

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9/32 advantageously, the energy exchange square 150 can be constructed more simply with a plurality of energy exchange strips (for example, 12a-12e) positioned in parallel (geometric) on a flat surface such as a concrete parking area or a road safety rest area. Autonomous routing can then be created to supply vehicles (eg 30a-30d) with depleted energy sources on one side of plaza 152, drive them to the appropriate lane (eg 12bB) containing the appropriate container 17 with power source charged energy, and then drive them off the opposite side of the lane (for example, 12b) when the switch has been performed and finally off the exit from square 154. This process is also compatible with manually operated vehicles 30, in whose In this case, it can be activated by the operator for the appropriate range 12 containing the correct container 17 with a charged energy source for the vehicle 30, and then engaged by the system in the engagement area 157, where the manual control is suspended, and the autonomous control is engaged. Finally, when vehicle 30 has completed the energy exchange, autonomous control is suspended, and manual control is reestablished in the disengagement area 30d.

[0079] The lanes (12a-12e) can be arranged to suit the energy needs of the vehicle in the area. Drastically different sizes of containers 17 (for example, containers 17d and 17g) with different types of energy sources can be served by specific category ranges (12a-12e), but a range 12 can serve a variety of sizes and styles

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30/32 within predefined parameters. The purpose of this flexibility is to allow a wide variety of sizes and styles of containers 17 and energy sources to be compatible with ALE.

DESCRIPTION OF ALE DATA COLLECTION AND FORWARDING SYSTEM [0080] All ALE 17 containers will incorporate multiple detection technologies to record and report temperature, output, load indicators, and a host of other metadata related inputs. The units will also all be equipped with a processing chip, locator, clock card and memory to store data from these sensors over a timeline. This will provide a detailed history of the use of the energy container 17, its current state and load, as well as any problems you may have. This data is then pulsed from the vehicle 30 through the network connected to the vehicle to a remote server if the vehicle is so equipped, or in the case of unconnected cars, the data is loaded to a remote server, when container 17 is connected to a terminal along any ALE range. The data is then stored, analyzed and designed for the system interface or API. Internet access is then made available to approved users who can then obtain the data in real time from the container network 17 around the world. This data can then be used by applications within a smart card, PC, or vehicle procurement system 30, to determine which container 17 should be used. Feedback for

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31/32 the remote system server that indicates the route selected by the occupants of the vehicle can also be used to reserve the energy containers 17 needed to complete the journey. The use of such a network with real-time data provided by the ALE data collection system would also allow emergency services using vehicles equipped with ALE 30 to obtain priority access to charged energy sources in the event of an emergency.

DESCRIPTION OF TWO-WAY CHARGING AND ENERGY STORAGE [0081] Advantageously a two-way charger, or charger / inverter can be used in conjunction with the power exchange system 10 currently disclosed for obtaining decentralized grid storage. When containers 17 having power sources, are connected to the charger via terminal connection 133, and the charger connected to the external power supply, they can be used as energy storage devices for the surrounding grid. Such storage is useful in emergencies, to provide energy in the event that the energy cannot be supplied by normal means. Additionally, renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, produce energy on a naturally controlled schedule, while human energy consumption often occurs on a very different schedule. Decentralized energy storage, as provided by the present invention, can alleviate these inconsistencies, and allow the dream of transport by solar and wind energy to become a reality.

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32/32 [0082] Although an electric vehicle 30 with a necessary energy source is described, other motor-driven vehicles including those using fuel cells can be adapted to use this technology.

[0083] In addition, the present method and system have unique advantages over previous known technologies realized by using the vehicle itself as the main mechanization of the process, which thus significantly reduces the cost.

[0084] The following description provides a better understanding of the present method and system. The main difference between the '011 method and system and the present method and system is that the lifting mechanism of the present invention is installed in each power exchange terminal (for example, 12a, 12b, 12c), rather than having the lifting mechanism on board the vehicle (for example, 30) requiring energy exchange.

[0085] Those skilled in the art will recognize that additional modalities are also possible without departing from the teachings of the subject claimed here. This detailed description, and particularly the specific details of the exemplary modalities described here, is given mainly for clarity of understanding, and no unnecessary limitations should be understood from it, since modifications will become evident to those skilled in the art through reading of this revelation and can be made without abandoning the spirit and scope of the material under study revealed here.

Claims (6)

1. Vehicle energy exchange system, the system comprising: at least one energy exchange terminal, the disposable energy exchange terminal on a ground surface, the energy exchange terminal having a sufficiently low profile such that, when disposed on a vehicle driving surface, a vehicle for exchange The energy exchange terminal can move over the energy exchange terminal during the energy exchange, the energy exchange terminal comprising: The. a lowering mechanism associated with at least one energy exchange terminal to release an exhausted energy cell from a vehicle during its energy exchange; or B. a lifting mechanism associated with at least one energy exchange terminal for inserting a charged energy cell into the vehicle during energy exchange. System according to claim 1, wherein at least one energy exchange terminal comprises at least two energy exchange terminals, a first of at least two terminals comprises the lowering mechanism and a second of at least two terminals comprises the lifting mechanism. System according to claim 2, in which the at least two energy exchange terminals form an energy exchange band. 4. System according to claim 3, further comprising two or more of the exchange ranges Petition 870190044629, of 05/13/2019, p. 36/52 2/6 energy. 5. System, according to claim 4, in that the two or more swap ranges of energy form an power exchange installation for the energy exchange of vehicle. 6. System according to claim 1, further comprising a wireless communication device operatively associated with at least one power exchange terminal for communication between at least one power exchange terminal and the vehicle requesting the exchange of power energy. System according to claim 2, in which the first energy exchange terminal is a first station, for receiving an exhausted energy cell from a vehicle requesting energy exchange and the second energy exchange terminal is a second station, associated with the lifting mechanism and a energy in replacement loaded for installation on vehicle after the package power exhausted have been removed. 8. System of according to claim 7, in that a processor controls the movement of the vehicle between the first station and the second station. A system according to claim 1, wherein the energy cell is arranged in a container arranged adjacent the lifting mechanism. A system according to claim 9, wherein the container further comprises a chiller. 11. System according to claim 1, wherein the lifting mechanism comprises a fixed boom Petition 870190044629, of 05/13/2019, p. 37/52 3/6 at least one charging terminal at a first end of the boom and the boom has a second end for receiving a charged energy cell for insertion into the vehicle for energy exchange. A system according to claim 11, wherein the first end of the boom is pivotally connected to at least one energy exchange terminal. 13. System according to claim 12, wherein the lifting mechanism further comprises a hydraulic cylinder for driving the boom from a first position on the ground to a second lifting position establishing the lifting of the energy for 14 inside . System, vehicle for energy exchange. in a deal with the claim 2, in what: O mechanism in lowering comprises a spear attached to the first terminal at a first end of the boom and the boom has a second end to receive a depleted energy cell for removal from the vehicle during energy exchange; and the lifting mechanism comprises a boom attached to the second terminal at a first end of the boom and the boom has a second end for receiving a charged energy cell for insertion into the vehicle for energy exchange. 15. System according to claim 1, wherein the lowering mechanism comprises a boom fixed to at least one terminal on a first end of the boom and a second end for engaging the locks on the vehicle for the exchange of energy, engaging the locks Petition 870190044629, of 05/13/2019, p. 38/52 4/6 disengages the energy cell from the vehicle. 16. System according to claim 1, wherein the lifting mechanism comprises a boom fixed to at least one terminal on a first end of the boom and the boom has a second end supporting the replacement energy cell and for engaging two vehicle locks to insert the replacement cell in the vehicle and keep it in place through the two locks. 17. Vehicle energy exchange method, the method comprising: receiving a vehicle for energy exchange in a first position along an energy exchange lane; removing an exhausted energy cell from the vehicle by releasing the energy cell from the vehicle in the first position; receive the vehicle in a second position along the energy exchange lane; and inserting a replacement energy cell in the vehicle in the second position. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein removing the depleted energy cell comprises removing the depleted energy cell using a lowering mechanism associated with the first position. 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the lowering mechanism comprises a boom fixed to the energy exchange strip at a first end of the boom and the boom has a second end for receiving a depleted energy cell for removal at from the vehicle during the energy exchange. Petition 870190044629, of 05/13/2019, p. 39/52 5/6 20. Method according to claim 17, wherein the lowering mechanism has a profile low enough for placement on a surface of the ground that the vehicle travels between the first position and the second position. 21. The method of claim 12, wherein inserting the replacement energy cell comprises lifting the replacement energy cell using the lifting mechanism. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the lifting mechanism comprises a boom fixed to the energy exchange strip at a first end of the boom and the boom has a second end for receiving a charged energy cell for insertion into the vehicle for energy exchange. 23. The method of claim 21, wherein the lifting mechanism has a profile low enough for placement on a surface of the ground that the vehicle travels between the first position and the second position. 24. The method of claim 17, wherein inserting the replacement energy cell comprises lifting the replacement energy cell using the lifting mechanism. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the lowering mechanism and the lifting mechanism both have their respective profiles low enough to be placed on a surface of the ground that the vehicle travels between the first position and the second position . Petition 870190044629, of 05/13/2019, p. 40/52 6/6 26. The method of claim 17, wherein the vehicle is received in the second position from the first station via an auxiliary power source on board the vehicle that drives the vehicle to move from the first position to the second position .